Abdominoplasty(Tummy Tuck) – Know Everything About It!!

Also known as a tummy tuck surgery, abdominoplasty is a form of cosmetic surgery in which excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen thus tightening the region. However, this procedure shouldn’t be confused with liposuction which only removes fat under the skin to change the outer contour of the body in certain places. It is possible for liposuction and the tummy tuck surgery to be performed at the same time for better contouring.

The Procedure-

The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic as it is a fairly extensive operation. Once you are under anaesthesia, the surgeon will start removing excess fat and skin from your abdomen by making a small cut just above your belly button. Once the required amount of skin has been removed the surgeon will put a small elastic bandage to help you heal better. However, a number of variations of tummy tuck surgery is possible. Some of them include:

Complete Abdominoplasty: The surgeon will cut and operate on the region extending from one side of the hipbone to the other, including the navel.

Partial Abdominoplasty: The surgeon operates on the fat located below the navel area and the skin to the sides of navel doesn’t to be removed.

Extended Abdominoplasty: Complete abdominoplasty that includes a thigh lift i.e where the excess skin from the thighs is removed.

High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck: In addition to vertical-line tightening used in conventional abdominoplasty, the muscles are also tightened horizontally

Floating Abdominoplasty or FAB Technique: Tightening and shaping using a smaller incision which is not located near the navel.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty: Another form of extended abdominoplasty which includes a buttock lift.

The following suggestions can be used for proper recovery:

Pain Medications: Pain medications will be administered so that you can resume normal activities as soon as possible and you can deal with the pain from healing as well.

Caring for the Bandage: It is just as important to follow the doctor’s instructions on how to clean and put on the bandage as otherwise, you may get an infection.

Avoid Nicotine: It is advisable that all forms of nicotine are avoided during the recovery period. Also smoking tobacco will drastically slow down the healing process and may cause many complications.

Sitting and Lying Down: It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions when it comes to sitting and lying down as he or she may recommend certain postures which will give you less pain as compared to others and also promote quicker healing.